Extendible runner

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a telescopic runner unit for supporting a shelf or other storage member on storage supports and includes means such as a lug on one member running in a slot on the other member so that the two telescopic members forming the unit are positively engaged and do not disengage laterally during use.

3,751,126 Aug. 7, 1973 United States Patent 11 1 Hudson EXTENYDIBLERUNNER 1,191,159 7/1916 Cunningham..,..................,.,308/36 3600343 3. .1 21b7- lll 333 786,540 4/1905 Williams 12/1905 Leslie GordonHudson, Little Copped Hall, Epping, Essex, England Inventor:

[22] Filed: June 22, 1971 m n m n 2 I .m .m F .w s& .m m wd m ar 3 f J,B .LC c.%. mm nH r a B Gfi h c m 92 .,a 55 e 99 M n 11 1 m m m.-% v. 53IM8 32 nm 21 nw so, mam 0 7 0 2 7 0 3 am n a" M vym uh" r" .w .m m n nmm 3 8a 5 km 5, m.G 5 D. 1 m I n o .w N m3 L 02 P e p m A J 1 0 2 3 [57]ABSTRACT The invention relates to a telescopic runner unit forsupporting a shelf or other storage member on storage [51] Int. C1.Fl6c21/00 [58] Field of Search.............................. 308/36, 3.8;312/338, 346, 348, 335, 332, 334, 347;

- v supports and includes means such as a lug on one mem- N te v. .l 5hsu 0 P .m f... can 5 h n mnyu wh m rF mm 2. m ham t w .18 B m r e a Dfn nm ml 6 Q tb s .mmom CH 8 moa .m.w w m .mwa me new: rt a o M bme m MB02 .3 T. mm N mm m I m A mp "n n s H m e fle c h Ame e v e R SML eD m w[99 NH 00 ./1 8 7 95 6 ll 5 l 32 PATENTEDAUG 71m. 33 2 sum-2M I /mme(562/! aaeoaw Mam EXTENDIBLE RUNNER The invention relates to extendibleslides or runners of the kind used to provide easy access to filingcabinets and drawers.

It is an object of the invention to provide means whereby a drawer orshelf can be pulled out from a housing to approximately its full extent.

According to the invention there is provided a telescopic unit forsupporting a storage member, such as a shelf, mounted on one part of thetelescopic unit so that when the storage member is moved the parts ofthe telescopic unit move relative to each other.

Suitably the parts of the telescopic unit may comprise two channelsection members which have a sliding fit one with the other, the onebeing lockingly engaged on the other part.

Alternatively the parts of the telescopic unit may comprise one ofchannel shape and one of L-shape.

Preferably the one part may be lockingly engaged with the other part bymeans of a lug engaging in a slot.

The sortage member may also slide relative to the one part of thetelescopic unit. This relative sliding movement may be accomplished bymeans of a spigot engaging in a slot in the one part.

Three embodiments of the invention are diagrammatically illustrated, byway of example, in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. I shows an exploded view of one embodiment of extendible runner fora shelf;

FIG. 2 shows an extendible shelf mounted on the runner of FIG. 1, in thefully extended position;

FIG. 3 shows part of another embodiment of runner; FIG. 4 shows a shelffor use with the runners;

FIG. 5 shows a drawer;

FIG. 6 shows a particular form of shelf or platform for supporting abowl or other receptacle;

FIGS. 7a to 76 shows an exploded view of a third embodiment oftelescopic runner; and

FIG. 8 shows part of a drawer mounted in the runner.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6 of the drawings an extendible runner,indicated generally by l, for'a shelf comprises an inner U-shaped orchannel member 3 which slides telescopically within an outer member 2also U- shaped orof channel section. The outer member 2 has a lower limb4 which has a narrow portion 4 and a portion 4" of greater width. Theportion 4" has a slot 5 which is just less than half the length of themember 2. The inner member 3 also has a lower limb 6 which has a narrowportion 6' and a portion'6" of greater width including a slot 7. Thenarrow portion 6 includes an integral depending lug 8. As shown in FIG.1 the wider portions 4" and 6" of the lower limbs 4 and 6 are atopposite ends of the respective members 2 and 3.

A shelf 9 which is extendible has such a width that it just fits insidethe U-shaped inner member 3 (FIG. 3) and includes a downwardly dependingscrew, peg or spigot 10 set midway of its width and just inboard of itsedge (FIG. 4).

In use, the telescopic member 1 is supported by brackets or lugs 11 on asuitable framework or base (not shown) with the lug 8 engaged in theslot 5, and the spigot 10 engaged in the slot 7. The spigot 10 preventsthe member 1 from disengaging sideways from the shelf 9, which is thusheld in correct alignment.

Referring to FIG. 2, if it is desired to retract the shelf from thefully extended position shown, it is only necessary to push the shelffrom the outside towards the outer member 2 of the telescopic runner l.The shelf 9 slides in the inner member 3 until the spigot 10 engages therear end of the slot 7. The inner member 3 of the telescopic runner nowslides in the channel of the outer member 2 until the lug 8 engages therear end of the slot 5, which thus acts as a backstop to prevent therunner from being dismantled accidentally.

In order to extend the shelf, it is merely necessary to grip the frontedge of the shelf 10 and draw it away from the outer member 2 so thatthe spigot 10 runs forwardly in the slot 7 until it engages the frontedge of the slot 7. The inner member 3 then moves, under continueddrawing motion, until the lug 8 engages the front edge of the slot 5.The shelf is then fully extended to almost its own width, as shown inFIG. 2.

It will be understood that the extendible shelf is usually mounted ontwo telescopic runners of the kind described, one at each side of theshelf and that the inner member has approximately the same length as thewidth of the shelf.

FIG. 3 shows a modified form of inner channel member 12, in which theupper limb'is part cut away to provide a partially open channel. The cutaway portion of the upper limb of this channel member allows a shelf tobe inserted or removed from above instead-of from the front and enablesthe shelf to be easily removed for cleaning purposes.

The runners can be used for extending drawers 13, as shown in FIG. 5, bybuilding up four sides as shown.

Alternatively, the shelf may include a recess 14 (FIG. 6) for holding abowl, wash-basin or receptacle (not shown). Such an arrangement issuitable for use in hospitals, laboratories or kitchens where it isdesirable to provide a basin which is extendible or retractable into acupboard.

Referring now to FIGS. 7a to 7c, a further embodiment shown thereincomprises, instead of FIG. 2 part 2 having a top flange to prevent part3 from tipping downwards when extended, the lug 8 of FIG. 1 can be bentas in FIG. 7b or 70 from x to y (in dotted lines) 7 after insertion intothe slot 100 so that it cannot be withdrawn and thus allow part 200 totip downwards. Part 200 is of L-shape. Also part 3 of FIG. 2 is modifiedto have a spring or hinged clip 30 attached to the top flange midway inthe length of member 300 in FIG. 7. The clip 30, which engages against apeg l0 situated on the top and rear end of a shelf 9 so that when theshelf is pulled out, the peg 10 engages the clip 30 and draws the member300 forward. By bending clip 30 upwards the shelf can be completelydisengaged. The member 500 is a stop which is engaged by peg 10 when theshelf ispushed back and causes part 300, to be pushed back with it whenso engaged.

FIG. 8 shows how part 300 (FIG. 7), can engage inside the back of adrawer so that a drawer provided with a flange 301 to engage in thechannel 8 in the member 300 (FIG. 7) can be used in place of a shelf.

It is also to be understood that the runners and shelf may bemanufactured from any suitable material, for example metal or plastics.

The invention therefore provides a simple and inexpensive extendiblerunner for a shelf or drawer which requires no wheels or revolvingparts.

What is claimed is:

l. A telescopic runner unit, comprising a first runner means, said firstrunner means having a vertical body portion, said vertical body portionhaving a lateral base flange projecting horizontally from the lowerlongitudinal edge thereof, said vertical body portion being providedwith means for securing said vertical body portion to vertical furnituremeans, said lateral base flange being formed over part of its lengthtaken from one end thereof with elongated slot means, and second runnermeans comprising a substantially channel-shaped body portion arranged onone side of said vertical body portion to run on said lateral baseflange and provided at one end with locking lug means adapted to engageand run in said slot means.

2. A runner unit according to claim 1, wherein said locking lug meanshas a first part parallel to said vertical body portion and an integralsecond part lying at right angles to said vertical body portion toprevent said lug means from being removed from said slot means.

3. A runner unit according to claim 2, wherein said second runner meansis provided with spring clip means intermediate its length adapted to beengaged with shelf means slidably engaged in said channelshaped bodyportion.

4.-A runner unit according to claim 3, wherein stop means is provided onthe upper flange means of said channel-shaped body portion adjacent therearward end thereof and positioned for engagement with said shelfmeans.

5. In a support structure for an article, such as a shelf or drawer,said support structure including a pair of substantially parallel andelongated telescopic runner units which are extendable and contractablein a first horizontal direction, said pair of runner units beingdisposed on opposite sides of said article for supporting same formovement in a horizontal direction, said pair of runner units beingpositioned between and respectively mounted on a pair of opposed andsubstantially parallel vertical support surfaces, said runner unitsbeing mirror images of one another, comprising the improvement whereineach runner unit includes:

a first substantially horizontally elongated runner member, said firstrunner member including a substantially vertical support portion adaptedto be positioned adjacent one of said vertical support surfaces and ahorizontal support flange fixedly secured to and projecting inwardlyfrom said support portion along the lower longitudinal edge thereof,said horizontal flange having an elongated slot formed therein andextending longitudinally thereof, and means associated with said firstrunner member for permitting same to be fixedly secured to one of saidvertical support surfaces;

said elongated slot having the opposite ends thereof defined by a pairof opposed stop portions, one of said stop portions being disposedadjacent one end of said first runner member and said other stop portionbeing disclosed approximately midway between the ends of said firstrunner member;

a second substantially horizontally elongated runner member slidablysupported on said first runner member and movable longitudinally thereofin said first horizontal direction, said second runner member having asubstantially channel-shaped body portion which opens in a secondsubstantially horizontal direction which is substantially perpendicularto said first direction, said channel-shaped body portion having asubstantially vertically extending base portion disposed directlyadjacent one side of the vertical support portion of said first runnermember, said channel-shaped body portion also including upper and lowersubstantially horizontal flanges projecting inwardly from said verticalbase portion adjacent the upper and lower longitudinally extending edgesthereof, said lower flange being slidably supported on the horizontalflange of said first runner member;

said second runner member including lug means fixedly secured theretoand projecting vertically downwardly therefrom into the elongated slotformed in said first runner member, whereby said second runner member isslidably movable relative to said first runner member between a firstposition wherein the second runner member is disposed substantiallytotally within the first runner member and the lug means is engaged withsaid one stop portion and a second position wherein the second runnermember is at least partially withdrawn from said first runner member andsaid lug means is disposed in engagement with said other stop portion;and

said article having a side portion thereof slidably supported withinsaid channel-shaped body portion, said cooperating stop means coactingbetween said second runner member and said article for permitting saidarticle to be linearly slidably displaced relative to said second runnermember through a predetermined distance in a direction parallel to saidfirst direction.

6. A support structure according to claim 5, wherein said stop meansincludes first and second stop members fixedly secured to said secondrunner member and a third stop member fixedly secured to said article,said first and second stop members being spaced said predetermineddistance apart with said first stop member being disposed adjacent therearward end of said second runner member and said second stop memberbeing disposed intermediate the ends of said second runner member, andsaid third stop member being fixedly secured to said article adjacentthe rearward end thereof and beingpositioned between said first andsecond stop members.

7. A support structure according to claim 6, wherein one of said secondand third stop members comprises a resilient platelike spring disposedfor engagement with the other of said second and third stop members,said spring being resiliently deflectible so as to enable said thirdstop member to move past said second stop member to enable said articleto be completely separated from said second runner member.

8. A support structure according to claim 5, wherein said lug meansincludes a portion on the free end thereof extending transversely ofsaid slot and projecting beneath said horizontal flange for positivelypre venting said lug means from being withdrawn from said slot.

I f 1 t

1. A telescopic runner unit, comprising a first runner means, said firstrunner means having a vertical body portion, said vertical body portionhaving a lateral base flange projecting horizontally from the lowerlongitudinal edge thereof, said vertical boDy portion being providedwith means for securing said vertical body portion to vertical furnituremeans, said lateral base flange being formed over part of its lengthtaken from one end thereof with elongated slot means, and second runnermeans comprising a substantially channel-shaped body portion arranged onone side of said vertical body portion to run on said lateral baseflange and provided at one end with locking lug means adapted to engageand run in said slot means.
 2. A runner unit according to claim 1,wherein said locking lug means has a first part parallel to saidvertical body portion and an integral second part lying at right anglesto said vertical body portion to prevent said lug means from beingremoved from said slot means.
 3. A runner unit according to claim 2,wherein said second runner member is provided with spring clip meansintermediate its length adapted to be engaged with shelf means slidablyengaged in said channel-shaped body portion.
 4. A runner unit accordingto claim 3, wherein stop means is provided on the upper flange means ofsaid channel-shaped body portion adjacent the rearward end thereof andpositioned for engagement with said shelf means.
 5. In a supportstructure for an article, such as a shelf or drawer, said supportstructure including a pair of substantially parallel and elongatedtelescopic runner units which are extendable and contractable in a firsthorizontal direction, said pair of runner units being disposed onopposite sides of said article for supporting same for movement in ahorizontal direction, said pair of runner units being positioned betweenand respectively mounted on a pair of opposed and substantially parallelvertical support surfaces, said runner units being mirror images of oneanother, comprising the improvement wherein each runner unit includes: afirst substantially horizontally elongated runner member, said firstrunner member including a substantially vertical support portion adaptedto be positioned adjacent one of said vertical support surfaces and ahorizontal support flange fixedly secured to and projecting inwardlyfrom said support portion along the lower longitudinal edge thereof,said horizontal flange having an elongated slot formed therein andextending longitudinally thereof, and means associated with said firstrunner member for permitting same to be fixedly secured to one of saidvertical support surfaces; said elongated slot having the opposite endsthereof defined by a pair of opposed stop portions, one of said stopportions being disposed adjacent one end of said first runner member andsaid other stop portion being disclosed approximately midway between theends of said first runner member; a second substantially horizontallyelongated runner member slidably supported on said first runner memberand movable longitudinally thereof in said first horizontal direction,said second runner member having a substantially channel-shaped bodyportion which opens in a second substantially horizontal direction whichis substantially perpendicular to said first direction, saidchannel-shaped body portion having a substantially vertically extendingbase portion disposed directly adjacent one side of the vertical supportportion of said first runner member, said channel-shaped body portionalso including upper and lower substantially horizontal flangesprojecting inwardly from said vertical base portion adjacent the upperand lower longitudinally extending edges thereof, said lower flangebeing slidably supported on the horizontal flange of said first runnermember; said second runner member including lug means fixedly securedthereto and projecting vertically downwardly therefrom into theelongated slot formed in said first runner member, whereby said secondrunner member is slidably movable relative to said first runner memberbetween a first position wherein the second runner member is disposedsubstantially totally within the first runner member and the lug meansis engAged with said one stop portion and a second position wherein thesecond runner member is at least partially withdrawn from said firstrunner member and said lug means is disposed in engagement with saidother stop portion; and said article having a side portion thereofslidably supported within said channel-shaped body portion, saidcooperating stop means coacting between said second runner member andsaid article for permitting said article to be linearly slidablydisplaced relative to said second runner member through a predetermineddistance in a direction parallel to said first direction.
 6. A supportstructure according to claim 5, wherein said stop means includes firstand second stop members fixedly secured to said second runner member anda third stop member fixedly secured to said article, said first andsecond stop member being spaced said predetermined distance apart withsaid first stop member being disposed adjacent the rearward end of saidsecond runner member and said second stop member being disposedintermediate the ends of said second runner member, and said third stopmember being fixedly secured to said article adjacent the rearward endthereof and being positioned between said first and second stop members.7. A support structure according to claim 6, wherein one of said secondand third stop members comprises a resilient platelike spring disposedfor engagement with the other of said second and third stop members,said spring being resiliently deflectible so as to enable said thirdstop member to move past said second stop member to enable said articleto be completely separated from said second runner member.
 8. A supportstructure according to claim 5, wherein said lug means includes aportion on the free end thereof extending transversely of said slot andprojecting beneath said horizontal flange for positively preventing saidlug means from being withdrawn from said slot.